Big 50th Anniversary Block Party this Saturday!

Day-long Celebration to be Held at Newly-Opened Laskin Gateway

Monday, September 23, 2013

The City of Virginia Beach has observed its 50th Anniversary throughout 2013 with small events that celebrate “50 Years of Living the Life” in the coastal city. On Saturday, October 12th, the city will partner with 31Ocean Association and Gold Key PHR to host the culmination of its birthday, the Golden Age 50th Anniversary Celebration, a free, day-long soiree packed with a parade, art show, musical entertainment and much more.

The festivities will kick off at noon with a parade featuring four marching bands, cheerleading teams and stump teams, starting at Arctic Avenue, traveling east on 31st Street and ending at Neptune Park. These two blocks will remain cordoned off for a street party from noon to 5 p.m. to include the Golden Anniversary Art Show, Lynnhaven River Now Fall Fest and the Virginia Beach

Police Department Second Precinct’s 3rd Annual Community Open House, Neptune Park will serve as the hub for live national and regional musical performances throughout the day as well as the location for the grand finale fireworks and laser show at 10 p.m.

The Golden Anniversary Art Show will be staged on 31st Street between Arctic and Pacific avenues and will feature a variety of creations by 34 local artists.

The Lynnhaven River Now Fall Fest, held on the beach at 31st Street, will celebrate the beauty of a revitalized Lynnhaven River with the Virginia Beach community. The fest will feature eco-friendly craft vendors, a farmer’s market and seafood market, fun and educational environmental displays, a sand building contest, children’s treasure hunt and delicious locally-sourced food. Attendees will have the opportunity to sign-up for guided nature walks of Beach Garden Park.

The Virginia Beach Police Department’s Second Precinct also will commemorate the city’s 50th Anniversary with its 3rd Annual Community Open House occupying 31st Street from Pacific Avenue to Atlantic Avenue. Partnering with the precinct’s Citizens’ Advisory Committee, the Virginia Beach Human Rights Commission and the Neptune Festival, it will showcase the many services offered by the Police Department and other city agencies. With activities including an officer meet-and-greet, a mural painting contest, emergency vehicle tours and more, this event will offer attendees the opportunity to obtain valuable information about the law enforcement community as well as Fire and Emergency Medical Services.

Citizens are encouraged to attend and participate in the many scheduled free activities throughout the day. For additional information and the latest news and event announcements on the 50th Anniversary and the Golden Age Celebration, visit www.VBLivingTheLife.com.

Virginia Beach Golden Age Celebration

Lineup of Events and Activities

12 p.m. Kick off - Virginia Beach Schools Parade

12 p.m. – 5 p.m. Golden Age Art Show

12 p.m. – 5 p.m. Virginia Beach Second Precinct’s Community Open House

January 1, 2013 marked the 50th anniversary of the merger of the two-square-mile resort town of Virginia Beach and the much larger suburbs and farms of Princess Anne County. Combined, the two make up Virginia’s most populous city, one which sprung from considerably more modest roots than the bustling urban cultural center that characterizes Virginia Beach today. Throughout 2013, the city will hold events that will promote the city’s history, milestones and successes; recognize the people that helped shape Virginia Beach into what it is today; and celebrate “50 Years of Living the Life,” here in Virginia Beach.